On Thursday, August 18, 2022, at approximately 7:33 p.m. officers were detailed to the area of MO 51 and US 61 in reference to a vehicle leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident. Officers were able to locate the striking vehicle, identify and take the driver into custody. The driver was identified as Starla Balsom of Sparta, Ill.
During the transport to the station, Balsom threatened multiple times to kill officers and once at the station she attempted to assault a male officer. While a female officer was attempting to dress Balsom out, she was struck by Balsom in the face with a closed fist, and Balsom began pulling the officer’s hair. Our officer was transported to the emergency room where she was treated and released for non-life-threatening injuries.
Balsom has been charged with the following:
Assault in the 3rd Degree, Special Victim-Class D Felony
